News

Miss Manners: Beyond a weak smile, is there a way to discourage his ‘witticism’ at my expense?
Miss Manners therefore suggests that you turn that weak smile into something that does, in fact, betray your irritation, ...
Miss Manners: My boyfriend berated me in the parking lot over how I exited the church
GENTLE READER: Miss Manners agrees that if someone asks people to go ahead, then the request should be obeyed, as it may mask ...
Miss Manners: I gave my neighbor treats and got a rude phone call in return
Miss Manners recommends saying, “I’m sorry to hear that. Thanks for letting me know” — and then tossing the conversation in ...
Dear Miss Manners: Let’s talk about ‘ladies first’ custom
So the short answer is: Keep offering seats to ladies if you don’t mind standing; if you do mind, then stay seated. Dear Miss ...
Miss Manners: What’s the point of having flashy jewelry if it’s ‘inappropriate’ to wear it?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I inherited a 1920s-era diamond ring and earrings. I remember my grandmother saying that with the ...
Miss Manners: Is there a polite way to satisfy my curiosity about the waitress?
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; ...
Miss Manners: Cash gift might insult grieving friend
I find it impractical to spend a couple hundred dollars on a floral arrangement that will soon be dead, and would prefer to ...
Miss Manners: You usually send flowers for the recently deceased, but I’m thinking of something else
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...
Miss Manners: Friend should stop, think, before putting money in widow’s sympathy card
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...
Miss Manners: Is it crass to give my newly widowed friend some money?
I find it impractical to spend a couple hundred dollars on a floral arrangement that will soon be dead, and would prefer to ...
Dear Miss Manners: Are cash condolences acceptable?
I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with money in it, rather ...
Miss Manners: She won’t shut up about how blessed she is, and I dread talking to her
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A very long time ago, my husband and I were invited to dinner at a restaurant by a colleague of his. I had not met the colleague or his wife prior to the dinner. The men promised ...